1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1999 Peugeot 806
To start off, 1999 Peugeot 806 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Peugeot 806 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Peugeot 806 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Peugeot 806 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Peugeot 806 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Peugeot 806, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Peugeot 806 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Peugeot 806 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1999 Peugeot 806 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | 626 | 806 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
